Unless you are rich, earning a living in Brazil is what will make or break any expat who makes the move. Getting a well paid job once here is almost impossible unless you have fluent Portuguese and a Permanent Visa. If you, instead, plan to open a business, you still face the language problem and getting a proper visa. In addition, you will need help from a Brazilian and the financial resources to open and run a business. The article over at Rio Times lays out some of the problems you face when you try to rent a location for a business in Rio. Other cities may present less difficulties, but the key points mentioned in the article are still relevant.

An American professor from Wyoming, USA has moved to Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Very good blog for anyone getting ready to make a move to Brazil on their own. His entries cover all the steps for setting up life and “Living in Brazil“.

Renting an apartment in Brazil for a long-term stay (one year+) will be difficult, unless you are being sent here by your company in which case they will (or should) assist you. If you are on you own, here is what you will face:

You usually have to sign a one-year contract unless you can negogiate a pay-as-you-go, which is usually at least 3 months.

You will have to buy furniture. Furnished apartments are very rare and are usually found, if at all, near universities, in which case they are small and you will be living in a building with universities students. If you don’t like to party, this is not an option.

You will probably have to buy the washer and fridge as well.

You have to change the electricity account to your name.

You have to put in a phone, which requires documentation which only permanent residents have.

You will have to pay, just for the rent, from R$700,00 to R$3,000 per month. Obviously you can find cheaper or more expensive options.

Last, but not least, the Tax de Condominio (expenses such as water, personnel, gas, repairs, elevator maintenance, which are divided amount all apartment renters and owners in the building.)

The apt fees can run from R$350 to well over R$1,000. Depends if the apartment complex has a pool, small gym, and number of staff.